This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com

12 June 2013

Slow start to New Plymouth service

A new air service operating between New Plymouth and
Hamilton is finding business slow to take off. Bookings have been limited since
Tauranga-based domestic carrier Sunair Aviation began serving New Plymouth
earlier this year. Business co-owner Beverley Power told Midweek that she hoped
a promotional push, beginning next month, would help. "This service will only survive with the
support of the local people," she said. "We will be gauging loadings
over the next six months and revisit things around that time." Before the
service began, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were the only direct
flight destinations from Taranaki through Air New Zealand. Mrs Power says the
service is aimed at business people or government department staff more than
leisure travellers. Mrs Power said Sunair Aviation had worked out of New
Plymouth before. "We are giving New Plymouth another opportunity at more
direct services by air." One of the main reasons it began operating here
again was because the Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) had inquired about
it. "TDHB is supportive of the new service and sees these flights as
benefiting travel times between these provincial locations," said TDHB
chief operating officer Rosemary Clements. "This commercial service may be
helpful for patients who need treatment in different hospitals around the
region as well." Venture Taranaki chief executive Stuart Trundle said the
increase in transport capacity to and from Taranaki was welcome, especially if
it helps connect the region with new destinations. "The additional
regional air links help to remove a barrier to those wanting to visit Taranaki,
and opens doors for Taranaki businesses looking to take their expertise to
other regions of New Zealand. "It's important that route and pricing
strategies can enable Sunair to gain sufficient market share to become a
sustainable and valuable service to the region." Mrs Powers says the
company is open to suggestions when it comes to possible expansions to the
service. "We would happily look at Hawera for example, as a possible
option for Fonterra - give us a call, we are here to listen to your requests
and try to accommodate where we can." Flights run morning and afternoon
from Monday to Friday. It is not viable to run in the weekends, but it could be
run on a case by case basis. If the service is well supported by Taranaki
people it could expand with flights to other regions. Sunair flights cost from
$390 one-way or $560 return. Return trips to Hamilton with Air New Zealand via
Auckland can cost upwards of $500. For more details about Sunair Aviation visit
sunair.co.nz or bookings can be made through various travel agents in New
Plymouth.